Atdtda37: Perhaps about some choice she had to make, 1048-1049

[Paul Nightingale]

That Lew is introduced at the start of the final paragraph above the section
break might give the impression that he shares the reader's observation of
the discussion described there; however, we might ask if the reader shares
his pov? In the new section, the 'quickly whispered set of instructions'
might be given straightaway, the moment Lew appears and introduces himself,
or later. However, the opening makes it clear that Merle is again seen from
Lew's pov ('For such a calm-looking fellow ...' etc), so the reader has
clearly been positioned with Lew here. Then, 'look[ing] at the rig in
question doubtfully', he has a bright idea and his interests are
prioritised, the investigation of Jardine brought to the fore. 

And then, as they (and the reader) observe Jardine's journey to Carefree
Court (1049), the writing recalls the rather more succinct account given, in
the first paragraph, of Lew's own journey (1048). Lew's journey,
specifically the route adopted, relates to Merle's fear that he/they might
be under surveillance. Subsequently, the greater detail in the description
of Jardine's journey is due to it being observed; the narrative draws
attention to the act of observation and recognition of what is known, eg 'a
recognisable Sunset Boulevard', or 'a couple-three turns Lew was able to
keep track of' (1049). However, if the journey has been observed, what
Jardine is thinking is less open to scrutiny: '... as if having a long talk
with herself ...' etc.


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